Custom Travel - What You Want, How You Want It

(Modified from an article originally published in The Table Less Traveled Newsletter, February 2016)

"Thank you for helping us put together a great 3 week itinerary in Italy. You took away the uncertainties of planning a visit to a country we have not been to before and replaced it with a well crafted itinerary that was most enjoyable and memorable. The printed itinerary you gave us was basically our bible while traveling through Italy and in it we had all the necessary information for directions, contacts, etc. Thank you again."
-Alan L. & Janet J.

Planning a trip can be overwhelming - where should you go? When? How do you get there? Let us take the guess work out of your trip.  We'll work through a series of questions to find out exactly what you're looking for and once we've designed your dream vacation then we will work our magic - booking everything for you and getting you access to exclusive experiences.  We have expertise in a variety of worldwide destinations from South America to Asia and beyond.

GUIDES & LOCAL EXPERTS

On your private trip you choose whether you'd like to journey solo or be led by our expert guides. Either way, we're available 24/7 during your trip in case of emergency; needing a restaurant recommendation classifies as an emergency in our food-loving world. 

WORLDWIDE DESTINATIONS

Despite having group journeys in a limited number of countries, we provide custom itineraries to many more destinations.  Let us know where you want to go and we'll put it together for you or recommend experts in the region.  

save time

Your custom trip will be priced as an all-inclusive getaway which includes accommodations, regional transportation, guided activities, and travel planning services. You don't have to worry about making payments throughout your trip for hotels, drivers, etc. since everything will already be taken care of.  All you have to do is enjoy your trip!

For more information on customized itineraries, contact Annie (that's me!) at info@thetablelesstraveled.com.

Travel Tip: Checklist to Prepare for International Trips!

(Originally published on The Table Less Traveled Newsletter, January 2016)

The last few days before I leave for an international trip are always a blur...there are so many things to do and so little time! To help my guests prepare well in advance I've created a quick checklist to help smooth out all the pre-trip "to-do's" from getting your official documents ready to downloading books for the plane!

You can download the list from our website for easy printing.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Months before you go

• Check your passport expiration date. For U.S. Citizens - passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.
• Check the U.S. Department of State's website for country-specific information like visa requirements, local laws, and travel alerts & warnings.
• Visit a doctor or travel pharmacist 4-6 weeks prior to departure. Give your doctor your itinerary and history of vaccines. Ask for routine vaccinations and prescriptions as necessary (including a backup supply of antibiotics). For more information visit the CDC.
• Purchase travel insurance and trip cancellation protection.

Weeks before you go

• Purchase baggage or clothing needed for packing. 
• Register for the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). 
• If you are planning on using your cell phone, talk with your carrier to find out the best international plans that will suit your needs. 
• Designate and alert an emergency contact about your travel plans.

Days before you go

• Review the local weather.
• Notify your banks of your travel plans and itinerary for international use of your credit cards and ATM cards.
• Make two (2) copies of your important documents such as passports, credit cards, and driver licenses. Leave one copy with your emergency contact and store another copy in a safe place in your luggage (separate from the actual documents). 
• Pick up any prescription drugs and necessary medicines. 
• Download books/shows/movies to electronic devices.

New Heart of Italy Food Tour for 2016

(Originally published in The Table Less Traveled Newsletter, December 2015)

I'll never forget my first glimpse of the rolling Tuscan hills bathing in the afternoon sun, or my first taste of mozzarella cheese being made hot and fresh right before my eyes. And I definitely won't forget our hidden escape to Borgo Conde wine estate in Emilia-Romagna where I plucked grapes off the vines and enjoyed my spoils while meandering around the picturesque property.

In partnership with Savor Seattle Food Tours we are launching a 9-day Heart of Italy Food Tour where you will eat and drink the best Italian foods in their native regions. Reserve your spot quickly since our first tour to Italy on September 17-25, 2016. is limited to just 12 people to keep your travels intimate and personal.